The Story Archive

A Serious Man

Ethan Coen, Joel Coen · 2009 CE · Film · Modern / American · Contemporary

A physics professor in a 1967 Minnesota suburb is told by his wife that she wants a ritual divorce so she can marry a widower from the congregation, while a failing student leaves an envelope of cash on his desk and his brother occupies the couch and the bathroom. He goes to three rabbis in turn for an account of what is being asked of him. The Coens set their most autobiographical film in an argument with God.

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